RULES 


OF  THE 


CONGREGATION 

of  tnk 

UNITED  BRETHREN 

AT  SAlEMi 

NORTH  CAROLINA. 


SALEM: 

PRINTED  BY  BLUM  &  SON. 
1850. 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 
in  2014 


https://archive.org/details/rulestegulationsOOmora_0 


KfiiiES  AN&  REGULATIONS, 


/.    Principles  of  faith  and  practict  in  the  United 
Brethren's  Church. 

1.  The  Holy  Scriptures  of  the  Old  and  New  Testament 
are  the  sole  standard  of  our  doctrine,  and  the  rule  of  our  life. 
We  therefore  declare,  that  we  do  not  acknowledge  or  hold  as 
a  tenet  of  our  church  any  opinion,  which  is  at  variance  with 
the  doctrine  of  Jesus  Christ  and  his  Apostles. 

In  our  congregation  both  preaching  and  practice  shall 
accord  with  the  precepts  and  example  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ 
and  his  Apostles.  We  can  neither  recognize  the  appoint- 
ment of  ministers,  who  depart  from  this  standard  ;  nor  admit 
the  introduction  of  hymns  for  the  use  of  the  congregation,  or 
of  books  for  the  instruction  of  youth,  that  are  not  in  accor- 
dance with  the  form  of  sound  doctrine  as  taught  by  Jesus 
Christ. 

2.  We  recognize  as  a  true  member  of  Christ's  body  every 
one,  who,  through  the  Holy  Ghost,  has  experienced  the  new 
birth.  This  experience  not  being  confined  to  any  one  reli- 
gious denomination  exclusively,  we  admit  of  no  separation  as 
existing  between  ourselves  and  members  of  other  christian 
societies,  who  have  been  called  by  the  Holy  Ghost  through 
the  gospel,  enlightened  with  his  gifts,  and  sanctified  in  the 
true  faith. 

3.  All  children  of  God,  of  what  christian  denomination 
soever,  we  regard  as  our  Brethren  in  Christ,  loving  them 
sincerely  and  heartily,  and  disclaiming,  as  altogether  opposed 
to  the  mind  of  Christ,  all  sectarian  animosity  arising  from 


diversity  of  views  on  points  of  doctrine,  discipline,  or  church 
government. 

4.  We  will  not  take  part  in  religious  controversies,  but 
adhere  to  those  fundamental  truths,  plainly  and  clearly  set 
forth  in  holy  writ,  and  will  faithfully  and  fearlessly  maintain 
them. 

5.  Uniformity  in  the  liturgy  and  usages  of  the  church  is  not 
requisite  to  constitute  unity  of  faith.  In  a  congregation  of 
Christ  nothing  is  indispensable  and  unalterable,  but  that 
which  involves  its  very  essence  and  existence,  to  wit :  Faith 
in  the  Lord  Jesus,  the  love  of  God  shed  abroad  in  the  hear£ 
by  the  Holy  Ghost,  the  hope  of  eternal  life,  and  the  union  of 
members  as  one  body,  whereof  Christ  is  the  Ifead.  With 
these  requisites  are  inseparably  connected  a  strict  adherance 
to  the  doctrine  of  Jesus  and  his  Apostles,  uniform  obedience 
to  all  his  commandments,  and  consistency  in  following  his 
footsteps.  Whatever  belongs  to  the  externals  of  divine 
worship,  and  to  other  matters  of  propriety  and  order  in  the 
congregation,  is  not  essentially  necessary  to  salvation,  or  unal- 
terable. Such  rules  and  regulations  are  to  be  retained,  as  long 
as  they  prove  instrumental  in  promoting  a  godly  life  and 
conversation.  We  will  not  be  tenacious  of  any  existing 
arrangement,  if  convinced  that  a  change  would  be  expedient, 
and  advantageous  ;  neither  will  we  abandon  any  regulation 
that  still  proves  conducive  tq  the  promotion  of  godliness, 

6.  While  earnestly  striving  to  realize  more  and  more  the 
character  of  a  genuine  congregation  of  Christ,  we  will  steadi- 
ly bear  in  mind,  and  reduce  to  practice,  the  sacred  obligation, 
which  devolves  upon  us  in  common  with  all  true  followers  of 
Jesus,  to  spread  his  gospel  throughout  the  world,  and  especi- 
ally among  the  heathen.  Nor  will  we  be  less  diligent  in  execq- 
ting  the  farewell  injunction  of  our  Lord,  to  maintain  the  unity 
of  the  spirit  in  the  bond  of  peace,  not  only  among  ourselves, 
but  with  all  in  every  place,  and  of  every  denomination,  who 
c^ll  upon  the  narpe  of  our  hovd  $nd  Savior,  Jssus  Christ. 


5 


//.  Groundwork  and  frame  of  our  Constitution. 

U  To  follow  simply  in  the  footsteps  of  our  Lord,  is  essentia 
ally  characteristic  of  a  congregation  of  Christ.  Keeping  this 
principle  in  vipw  in  all  our  regulations  and  undertakings,  nay, 
in  our  whole  manner  of  life,  we  will  endeavor  to  adjust  every 
thing,  whether  great  or  small,  to  that  high  and  holy  standard, 

2.  The  rules  Qf  our  congregation  are  intended  to  aid  u$ 
in  seeking  first  the  kingdom  of  God  ^nd  his  righteousness,  to 
promote  obedience  to  the  commandments  of  Christ,  and  to 
obviate  and  remove,  as  far  a§  possible,  all  occasions  for  the 
commission  of  sin* 

3.  Such  rules  are  a  voluntary  agreement,  adopted  by  all  the 
members  of  a  congregation,  nor  can  any  one  be  compelled 
lo  subspribe  to  them  against  his  will.  Neither  can  any  one 
be  a  merpber  pf  the  congregation^  unless  he  assent  to,  and 
observe  these  rules.  Being  once  adopted  by  the  congregation, 
the  rules  must  be  ponscientiously  observed  by  all  the  members 
without  respect  of  persons,  or  any  distinction  whatever. 

4.  It  is  incumbent  on  all  conferences  or  boards,  and  officers 
of  the  congregation,  in  their  respective  sphere  of  action, 
carefully  to  attend  to  the  welfare  of  the  congregation,  and 
faithfully  to  maintain  its  fundamental  principles  ;  hence  they 
ought  to  be  duly  respected  and  supported  in  the  execution  of 
these  duties.  Each  board  having  its  own  duties  constitution- 
ally prescribed,  they  are,  while  acting  in  harmony  one  with 
another,  not  to  interfere  with  the  peculiar  sphere  of  action 
assigned  to  each. 

5.  To  the  Elders'1  Conference  are  committed  the  direction 
and  supervision  of  the  spiritual  and  temporal  concerns  of  the 
Qongregation  at  large.  This  board  is  at  the  same  time  to 
Qonsult  the  best  interests  of  every  individual  member. 

6.  The  Board  of  Overseers,  (or  Town  Committee,)  to  which 
only  communicant  brethren,  who  have  attained  to  the  age  of 
25  ye^rs,  and  who  have  been  members  of  the  church  fqr  threq 


6 


years,  are  eligible,  is  to  be  chosen  every  two  or  three  years  by 
the  Congregation  Council.  This  board,  jointly  with  the 
Elders'  Conference,  is  to  superintend  the  temporalities  of  the 
congregation  ;  acting  also  as  guardians  over  the  maintenance 
of  correct  morals,  integrity,  and  general  good  deportment  of 
the  members  ;  and  as  peacemakers,  to  reconcile  any  differ- 
ences arising  between  members  of  the  congregation.  The 
same  board  is  associated  with  the  Warden  of  the  congrega- 
tion, as  a  committee  of  advice,  with  whom  he  acts  in  concert 
in  the  administration  of  the  receipts  and  disbursements  of  the 
Diacony,  whereof  an  account  is  to  be  rendered  to  this  board. 
The  concerns  of  the  Diacony,  as  part  of  the  financial  system 
of  the  Unity,  are  also  placed  under  the  supervision  of  the 
Elders1  Conference. 

7.  Matters  pertaining  to  the  community  at  large,  such  as 
church  and  town  expenses,  and  other  matters  of  a  general 
nature,  the  providing  for  which  would  be  required  for  the 
maintenance  of  the  social  regulations  of  any  community,  are 
incumbent  upon  the  Congregation  Council.  This  board  con- 
sists of  all  adult  brethren,  who  have  signed  their  names  to  the 
rules  and  regulations  of  the  congregation.  In  no  cases  of 
the  above  description  can  the  before-mentioned  boards  act 
exclusively  without  the  consent  of  this  board.  Such  are  all 
cases,  when  new  rules  are  to  be  proposed  for  the  guidance  of 
the  congregation,  or  the  police  of  the  place;  or  when  exist- 
ing regulations  are  to  be  revised  or  amended  ;  whenever 
considerable  expenditures  are  to  be  incurred  in  behalf  of  the 
community,  or  new  buildings  to  be  erected  for  account  of  the 
same  ;  and  contracts  or  other  responsibilities  to  be  assumed 
in  the  name  and  at  the  risk  of  the  community. 

8.  Appointments  to  office  in  the  congregation  shall  in  every 
instance  take  place  agreeably  to  the  rules  laid  down  by  the 
Synods  of  our  church. 

9.  To  promote  the  spiritual  growth  of  the  individual  mem- 
bers, to  facilitate  the  care  of  souls,  and  to  preserve  external 


7 


order  and  decorum,  the  congregation  is  divided  into  different 
classes  or  choirs.  The  design  of  these  regulations  is,  that 
every  member  of  the  church  may,  according  to  age,  sex,  and 
condition  in  life,  attain  unto  sanctification  of  soul  and  body, 
through  the  merits  of  our  Lord  and  Savior  Jesus  Christ. 


///•  Relation  sustained  by  the  Congregation  to  the  Government 
of  our  country  and  its  Officers. 

1.  As  citizens  of  the  United  States,  we  will  yield  all  due 
submission  to  the  constitution  and  laws  of  our  country,  and 
pay  due  respect  to  all  persons  duly  elected  as  officers  of 
government  or  appointed  as  magistrates  5  for  whom  we  are  to 
offer  up  prayer  and  intercession. 


IV.  Reciprocal  duties  of  the  Congregation  and  its  Ministering 
Servants. 

1.  The  congregation  and  its  ministering  servants  constitute 
ing  one  body,  have  a  common  interest.  Whatever  tends  to 
destroy  the  mutual  confidence,  which  ought  to  prevail  between 
the  congregation  and  its  ministering  servants,  should  bo 
studiously  avoided. 

2.  Those  called  or  appointed  to  such  office,  must  ask  of 
the  Lord,  to  endue  them  with  the  needful  gifts  and  graces, 
requisite  for  their  office ;  that  they  may  not  act  in  their  own 
wisdom  and  strength,  but  be  guided  by  the  Holy  Spirit,  so  as 
to  walk  according  to  the  mind  of  Christ.  They  are  not  to 
seek  their  own,  but  the  things  that  are  the  Lord's,  and  not  to 
assume  undue  authority  over  their  fellow  members. 

3.  On  the  other  hand,  it  is  the  duty  of  the  congregation  to 
pray  diligently  for  its  ministers.  I  Thes.  v,  12, 13  ;  Heb.  xm,  17. 

4.  Ministering  servants  of  the  congregations  ought  willingly 


5 


and  cheerfully  to  receive  admonitions',  modestly  offered  by 
members  of  the  congregation,  and  should  pay  due  regard  16 
them. 

5.  We  consider  ourselves  boiind,  faithfully  to  provide  for 
the  support  of  our  ministers  and  their  families,  sb  that  none  of 
them  may  suffer  for  lack  of  any  thing  needful. 

6.  Should  any  of  them  have  lost  the  needful  gifts  and 
graces  for  the  discharge  of  their  functions,  and  thtis  be  dis- 
qualified from  serving  any  longer  with  acceptance,  they  must 
submit  to  a  removal  from  office,  according  to  the  decision  of 
the  Elders'  Conference  of  the  Unity,  or  the  Provincial  Helpers' 
Conference. 


V.  Relation  sustained  by  individual  members  to  the  Con- 
gregation  at  large. 

ij  When  an  individual  applies  for  admission  to  church- 
membership,  the  Board  of  Overseers,  (Committee,)  shall 
institute  a  thorough  inquiry  into  his  or  her  circumstances,  and 
the  motives  and  object  of  the  application,  arid  report  the  same, 
together  with  the  opinion  of  the  board,  to  the  Elders'  Confer- 
ence, in  order  to  ascertain  as  far  as  possible,  whether  such 
application  have  arisen  from  a  sincere  resolution,  voluntarily 
and  deliberately  formed,  and  whether  the  applicant  be  at 
liberty  to  form  such  resolution,  being  free  from  any  connexion 
that  might  prove  an  obstacle  to  hig  uniting  himself  with  our 
congregation.* 

2.  Permission  to  become  a  member  of  the  congregation  or 
to  reside  in  this  place,  can  be  granted  only  by  the  Elders* 
Conference,  with  the  concurrence  of  the  board  of  Overseers. 

3.  Every  member  of  the  congregation  is  bound  to  abstain 

*  Such  applicants  will  at  first  be  requested  to  have  patience,  till  they  become 
better  acquainted  with  us  and  we  with  them;  and  after  an  interval  of  at  least 
three  months,  their  application  for  admission  will  again  be  brought  under  con- 
sideration, according  to  §  §  45  and  46  of  the  Synodal  Results  of 


from  undertaking  or  introducing  any  thing,  which  might  prove 
injurious  to  the  spiritual  or  temporal  welfare  of  another, 

4.  Should  any  one  persist  in  transgressing  the  rules  and 
regulations  of  the  congregation,  or  even  prove  guilty  of  se- 
ducing others,  such  an  one  is  to  be  excluded  from  the  corigre* 
gatioh  ;  and  in  the  latter  case,  if  possible,  to  be  removed  from 
this  place. 

5.  If  a  member  of  the  congregation  should  per&eive  any 
thing  of  an  immoral  or  pernicious  tendency,  he  ought  not  to 
regard  it  with  indifference,  nor  pass  it  over  in  silence  ;  for,  by 
so  doing,  he  would  become  a  partaker  of  other  men's  sins. 
On  the  contrary,  he  ought,  in  the  first  place,  to  warn  the 
offending  brother,  agreeably  to  the  Apostle's  precept:  "If  a 
man  be  overtaken  in  a  fault,  restore  such  an  one  in  the  spirit 
of  meekness."  Should  this  however  prove  ineffectual,  or 
should  the  case  be  of  such  a  nature,  as  to  require  a  different 
course,  it  then  becomes  a  duty  to  give  notice  thereof  without 
delay,  to  the  end,  that,  as  far  as  possible,  all  evil  consequences 
may  be  obviated.  When  it  is  requisite  to  prove  the  truth  of 
a  charge,  and  especially  when  the  individual  accused  express* 
}y  desires  it,  the  name  of  the  informant,  and  an  opportunity 
for  both  parties  to  meet  in  the  presence  of  the  laborer,  ought 
not  to  be  withheld. 

6.  All  unbecoming  intercourse  between  persons  of  both 
sexes  shall  be  carefully  and  conscientiously  avoided,  and  can* 
not  be  permitted  under  any  pretext  whatever ;  and  all 
parents,  heads  of  families,  masters,  and  others  having  ia 
charge  youth,  arc  in  duty  bound,  faithfully  to  counteract 
every  thing  of  the  kind,  that  h  at  variance  with  the  precepts 
of  holy  writ  and  the  principles  of  sound  morality,  or  whatever 
might  lead  to  the  commission  of  sin  on  the  part  of  their  chil* 
dren  and  others  entrusted  to  their  care. 

No  marriage  among  us  shall  be  concluded  without  th® 
eonient  of  the  Elders1  Conference, 


10 


7.  Regarding  the  bringing  up  of  our  children,  we  desire  to 
follow  the  Apostle's  precept,  "to  bring  them  up  in  the  nurture 
and  admonition  of  the  Lord.""  (Eph.  vi,  4.)  Hence  all  parents, 
fathers  and  mothers  of  families,  are  expected  to  exercise  on 
this  point  all  possible  faithfulness,  endeavoring  most  carefully 
to  guard  their  children  against  every  thing  that  might  prove 
an  offence  and  an  injury  to  their  souls  to  set  before  them 
a  consistent  christian  example,,  thereby  prompting  thern  also  to 
be  followers  of  Christ ; — to  see  to  it,  that  their  children  punc- 
tually attend  school,  religious  instruction,  and  the  meetings  for 
worship,  that  they  be  suitably  employed  at  home,  and  that 
as  they  increase  in  years,  they  accustom  themselves  to  habits 
of  order  and  decorum,  and  to  a  well  regulated  and  mora! 
conduct. 

8.  As  no  one  may  reside  in  this  congregation  without  the 
permission  of  the  Elders'  Conference,  with  the  consent  of  the 
board  of  Overseers,  it  follows,  that  no  one  may  acquire  or 
possess  a  house  in  our  place,  unless  he  be  a  member  of  the 
congregation,  and  the  privilege  be  expressly  granted  to  him 
by  the  above  board  of  Overseers,  with  the  consent  of  the 
Elders'  Conference.  Hence  a  resident  may  not  sell  his  house 
to  any  other  individual,  unless  the  latter  have  obtained  the 
aforesaid  permission  ;  neither  may  he  bequeath  the  same  to 
his  children,  relatives,  or  other  heirs,  except  these  be  in  like 
manner  acknowledged  as  members  of  the  congregation,  and 
expressly  permitted  to  become  owners  of  the  property.  Nor 
may  the  heirs  at  law,  in  case  the  owners  of  the  house  should 
have  died  intestate,  come  into  possession  of  the  same  other- 
wise than  on  the  above  conditions.  On  the  other  hand, 
every  one  is  at  liberty  to  dispose  of  the  value  of  his  house,  as 
well  as  of  the  rest  of  his  estate.  To  this  rule  we  will  faith- 
fully and  inviolably  adhere,  voluntarily  renouncing  all  claims 
to  the  contrary  ;  and  it  is  our  express  will,  that  our  heirs  and 
legatees  be  held  and  firmly  bound  to  act  accordingly. 

9.  Should  an  inhabitant  of  this  place  prove  guilty  of  any 


1  s 

i'M  conduct,  on  account  of  which  he  may  no  longer  remain  | 
resident  member  of  the  congregation,  he  shall  be  bound  to 
sell  his  house  to  a  purchaser  approved  as  above ;  but  in  case 
no  such  purchaser  be  found,  the  house  shall  be  bought  by  the 
board  of  Overseers  for  account  of  the  congregation,  and  the 
former  possessor  be  bound  to  leave  the  place.  In  case  the 
owner  should  not  agree  with  an  approved  purchaser,  or  with 
Che  board  of  Overseers  about  the  value  of  the  house,  it  shall  be 
appraised  by  three  or  five  impartial  men,  of  which  number  each 
party  shall  choose  one  or  two,  and  these  a  third  or  fifth,  and 
the  price  so  determined  shall  be  paid  to  the  owner  by  the 
purchaser  or  through  the  board  of  Overseers.  In  cases  in 
which  legatees  or  heirs  at  law  cannot  agree  about  the  value 
of  a  house  with  a  purchaser  approved  as  above,  or  with  the 
board  of  Overseers,  the  same  procedure  shall  be  adopted. 

10.  In  case  the  owner  of  a  house  should  of  his  own  accord 
resolve  to  leave  our  society,  which  every  one  is  at  perfect 
liberty  to  do,  of  should  think  proper  to  remove  from  this 
congregation  to  another,  such  an  one  shall  likewise  be  bound 
to  sell  his  house  to  no  other  purchaser  but  one  approved  as 
above.  If  an  approved  purchaser  be  not  immediately  found, 
the  property  shdl  in  the  mean  time  be  placed  in  the  hands  of 
one  or  more  of  the  residents,  empowered  by  the  owner,  to 
whom  the  income  arising  therefrom,  shall  be  duly  remit- 
ted; but  the  congregation  shall  never  be  compelled  to 
become  the  unwilling  purchaser.  No  house,  or  part  of  a 
house,  should  be  let  to  strangers,  intending  to  sojourn  here  for 
some  time,  without  a  knowledge  of  their  character  ;  moreover, 
the  consent  thereto  of  the  Elders'  Conference  and  of  the 
board  of  Overseers,  is  required. 

11.  The  congregation  recognizes  the  duty  of  relieving  the 
necessities  of  all  such  members,  as  may  through  age,  sickness, 
or  other  afflictions,  without  any  delinquency  of  their  own, 
have  become  destitute,  and  unable  to  maintain  themselves. 
We  likevyise  assijme  the  obligation  of  §o  providing  tor  the 


1* 


education  of  destitute  orphans  in  ihe  congregation,  that  the? 
may  become  useful  members  of  society,  and  capable  of  pro* 
curing  for  themselves  an  honest  livelihood. 

\%  Every  member  of  the  congregation  should,  agreeably 
to  the  Apostle's  rule,  labor  and  eat  his  own  bread  nor 
should  there  be  found  among  us  any  habitual  idler. 

13.  Whenever  an  inhabitant  of  Salem,  who  holds  a  lease 
from  the  original  proprietor,  F.  W.  Marshall,  or  his  heirs  or 
assigns,  makes  or  executes  a  mortgage,  deed  of  trust,  contract 
to  rent,  or  any  other  instrument  or  agreement,  whereby  he 
conveys  or  intends  to  convey  the  property,  thus  held  by  lease, 
or  any  part  thereof,  or  any  interest  or  estate  therein,  such 
mortgage,  deed  of  trust,  contract  to  rent,  or  any  other  instru- 
ment or  agreement,  be  the  same  in  writing  or  by  parole,  shall 
be  null  and  void,  unless  the  proprietor  shall  have  given  his 
assent  to  the  same  in  writing. 

14.  All  residents,  capable  and  desirous  of  conducting  some 
business  or  trade,  shall,  as  circumstances  may  require  or  admit, 
be  counseled  and  aided  bv  the  board  of  Overseers.  No  one, 
however,  may  set  up  business  in  the  place,  either  alone  or  in 
partnership  with  others,  without  having  previously  obtained, 
on  application,  the  permission  for  it  of  the  board  of  Oyerseers, 
with  the  concurrence  of  the  Elders1  Conference.  Neither 
shall  a^y  one  sell  by  retail  any  spiritous  liquors  in  this  place, 
without  express  permission  by  the  board  of  Overseers,  with 
the  concurrence  of  the  Elders'  Conference. 

15.  All  residents  are,  and  acknowledge  themselves,  bound 
to  assist  in  any  measure  and  undertaking  requisite  for  the  well 
being  of  the  community  of  this  place,  and  to  bear  a  due 
proportion  of  the  necessary  expenses.  Besides  the  support  of 
the  ministering  servants  of  the  congregation,  above  mentioned, 
there  is  particular  reference  here  to  all  those  things,  which 
pertain  to  the  maintenance  of  good  order,  and  the  police  of 
ihe  place  ;  for  instance,  the  keeping  in  repair  of  roads  and 


13 


alleys,  the  needful  supply  of  wafer,  the  regulation  of  the  fire 
department,  the  neatness  and  cleanliness  of  the  streets,  and 
the  safety  of  the  town  by  day  and  night.  Nor  will  we  over- 
look those  principles  of  brotherly  love,  which  require  us  to 
take  a  willing  and  active  part  in  relieving:  the  necessities  of 
other  congregations  of  the  Brethren's  Unity. 

16.  Regarding  the  erecting  and  altering  of  all  buildings, 
whether  public  or  private,  it  is  incumbent  on  the  board  of 
Overseers,  to  see  that  it  be  done  in  every  respect  agreeably 
10  our  established  order  of  building,  and  the  rules  of  the  fire 
department. 


VI.  Duties  of  the  members  of  the  Congregation  individually 
and  towards  each  other. 

1.  ft  shall  be  our  sincere  endeavor,  to  exercise  mutual  love, 
meekness  and  humility  ;  to  treat  one  another  with  becoming 
respect ;  to  serve  and  aid  each  other  cheerfully,  and  to  assist 
every  one  in  keeping  and  improving  his  own  ;  nay,  we  would 
extend  the  same  deportment  to  all  our  fellowmen,  agreeably 
to  the  comprehensive  precept  of  our  Lord  :  "  Whatsoever  ye 
would,  that  men  should  do  to  you,  do  ye  even  so  to  them." 

2.  Those  members  of  the  congregation,  who  are  in  the 
employ  of  others,  should  perform  with  faithfulness,  obedience, 
and  respect,  the  various  services  required  of  them.  On  the 
same  principle,  such  as  employ  others  in  their  service,  are 
expected  to  treat  them  with  love  and  kindness. 

3.  Whoever  engages  strangers  in  his  service,  becomes 
answerable  for  them.  Should  any  irregularity  or  just  com- 
plaint arise  on  their  account,  he  is  bound  to  dismiss  them 
without  delay. 

4.  In  our  mode  of  living,  our  clothing,  and  our  dwellings, 
we  will  aim  at  frugality,  propriety,  and  economy  ;  removing 
far  from  us  all  extravagance,  vanity,  and  abuse  of  temporal 


14 


5.  Wtf  will  abstain  from  the  reading  of  such  books  and 
pamphlets  whereby  our  minds  might  be  corrupted  from  the 
simplicity,  that  is  in  Christ  Jesus.  Such  publications  in  parti- 
cular, as  tend  to  beget  contempt  of  pious  sentiments,  or  even 
ridicule  the  holy  scriptures — in  short,  all  injurious  and  immoral 
writings,  songs,  pictures,  and  exhibitions  shall  on  no  account 
be  tolerated  in  our  congregation.  The  introduction  or  cir- 
culation of  such  publications  we  look  upon  as  a  most  culpable 
seduction. 

6.  We  wiH  truly  and  faithfully  perform  our  engagements  to 
all  men.  Should  one  among  us,  having  borrowed  money,  or 
the  value  thereof,  or  having  entered  into  any  other  engage- 
ment, intentionally*  withold  the  promised  restitution,  or  care- 
lessly neglect  to  fulfil  his  word,  he  shall  be  liable  to  legal 
prosecution. 

7.  All  talebearing,  and  spreading  of  personal  or  other 
reports,  by  word  of  mouth  or  in  writing,  whereby  suspicion  is 
excited,  the  law  of  charity  violated,  and  mischief  occasioned 
in  any  wise,  we  will  utterly  discountenance  among  us.  False- 
hood and  malicious  calumnies,  injuring  the  character  of  others, 
we  regard  as  culpable  misconduct,  subject  to  the  discipline 
of  the  church. 

8.  Should  any  one  in  the  congregation  unhappily  commit 
crimes  punishable  by  law,  as  fornication,  adultery,  theft,  fight- 
ing, habitual  intemperance,  habitual  cursing  and  swearing, 
fraudulent  dealings  in  trade  or  business,  and  such  other  inten- 
tional gross  misdeeds,  all  of  which  are  necessarily  left  to  legal 
investigation  and  correction,  such  offender  can  no  longer  be 
regarded  as  a  member  of  our  church.  A  thorough  change  of 
heart  and  life,  being  distinctly  perceptible  in  him,  can  alone 
render  it  possible  to  restore  him  to  spiritual  fellowship. 

9.  In  case  misunderstandings  or  differences  arise  among 
any  of  the  inhabitants,  they  should  first,  according  to  the 
ppmmand  of  Christ,  endeavor  to  come  to  an  amicable  agree- 


15 


mfcnt  dnd  equitable  settlement  among  themselves.  Should 
they  fail  in  so  doing,  the  persons  at  variance  should  select 
some  other  members  of  the  congregation,  to  act  as  mediators  ; 
and  if  the  difficulty  cannot  thus  be  arranged  to  mutual  satis- 
faction, the  case  shall  be  referred  to  the  board  of  Overseers 
for  brotherly  investigation  and  decision.  Should  either  of 
the  parties  even  then  refuse  to  be  reconciled  and  pacified, 
such  party  could  no  longer  be  considered  a  member  of  the 
congregation, 

In  Gase,  however,  the  point  of  dispute  should  render  a  resort 
to  the  courts  of  justice  indispensible,  every  thing  at  variance 
with  our  character  as  Brethren  is  to  be  avoided. 

10.  Should  a  member,  through  Providential  visitation,  be 
deprived  of  reason,  we  will  show  due  compassion  toward  one 
so  afflicted,  and  on  the  part  of  the  congregation,  faithfully 
provide  for  proper  supervision  and  attendance  ;  nor  will  we 
resort  to  any  arrangement  beyond  our  own  society,  while 
there  is  a  possibility  of  procuring  equal  or  even  supe- 
rior attendance  within  the  limits  of  the  congregation,  or  the 
circle  of  members  in  our  society. 

11.  Should  fire  break  out  in  our  place,  we  will  faithfully  aid 
in  extinguishing  it;  and  in  similar  cases  extend  the  like  assist- 
ance to  any  of  our  neighbors. 


CONCLUSION. 

1.  No  one,  whoever  he  be,  shall  obtain  permission  to  live, 
marry  or  settle  in  this  place  as  a  member  of  the  congregation, 
or  be  entitled  to  receive  or  to  give  a  vote  for  any  office  in  the 
congregation,  unless  he  have  before  assented  to  this  brotherly 
agreement,  pledging  himself  faithfully  either  by  word  of  mouth, 
or  (on  the  part  of  the  Brethren)  by  signing  these  articles  with 
his  own  hand,  to  observe  them  inviolably. 


■ 


16 


To  enable  all  those  concerned,  and  particularly  our  own 
youth,  when  they  have  passed  their  minority,  carefully  to 
examine  the  subject  themselves,  there  shall  be  a  fair  opportu* 
nity  and  sufficient  time  afforded  them,  to  reflect  maturely 
upon  this  agreement,  in  order  that  each  and  every  one  may 
act  with  entire  consciousness,  and  having  obtained  a  distinct 
knowledge  of  those  principles,  which  the  congregation  has 
united  and  covenanted  to  observe,  may  form  a  deliberate 
decision. 

2.  Whenever  the  interest  of  the  congregation  shall  at  any 
future  time  render  it  expedient  to  erase,  amend,  or  add  to  any 
of  these  rules  and  regulations,  such  amendments  and  additions, 
if  adopted  by  twolhirds  of  the  members  of  the  congregation 
council  present,  shall  be  of  equal  weight  and  obligation,  as 
though  they  had  been  literally  embodied  in  this  present 
Brotherly  Agreement  and  Covenant ;  and  they  shall  likewise 
be  printed  and  annexed  to  the  same,  for  the  information  of 
all  whom  it  may  concern. 

The  above  Articles  being  the  basis  and  substance  of  our 
Rules  and  Regulations,  having  been  acknowledged  and  volun- 
tarily adopted  by  the  congregation,  to  their  full  extent,  after 
maturely  weighing  them,  and  being  fully  convinced  both  of 
their  necessity  and  utility  :  we  mutually  promise  and  covenant 
together  for  Christ's  sake,  and  through  his  grace,  faithfully  to 
abide  by  these  principles,  and  conscientiously  to  observe  them; 
and  also,  to  the  best  of  our  ability,  to  promote  the  observance 
of  them  on  the  part  of  our  fellow  members. 

We  at  the  same  time  empower  the  ministering  servants  of 
the  congregation,  jointly  with  us  to  enforce,  without  respect  of 
persons,  the  inviolable  observance  of  the  above  articles  by 
each  and  every  member  of  the  congregation  ;  and  in  case  any 
one  should  act  contrary  to  these  rules  or  designedly  oppose 
them,  to  proceed  against  such  member  agreeably  to  the  dr= 
rections  herein  contained, 


